Custom knifemaker and Knifemakers' Guild member Kit Carson is widely known for his M16 design, which we offer in many CRKT production models. But since 1990, Kit's most consistent selling custom model has been his classic M4. In his usual unassuming manner, Kit says, "I guess you'd say it's my flagship custom. It's simple, with form following function. No tricks that look slick but aren't worth a flip in your hand. I've made many variations on it, from exotic collectibles to working tacticals, in maybe 20 versions. But I still get more and more calls to make the M4."

This year we're offering the M4 design in Kit's smaller every day carry (E.D.C.) size.

The M4-02S Stag is a deluxe model which has a traditional look with stag scales and brushed stainless steel bolsters.

While we were engineering it, we decided to add some more value by offering our OutBurst assisted opening, and our patented* LAWKS safety. It creates a virtual fixed blade when actuated after the blade is opened and locked.

The OutBurst mechanism instantly springs the blade fully open after you have opened the blade approximately 30 degrees. M4 models have dual thumb studs for ambidextrous one-hand opening and bronze and Teflon bearings at the adjustable blade pivot for smooth, fast action.

The 3.25" blade is a high-hollow-grind drop point of premium 8Cr13MoV stainless steel in a bead-blast finish with a Razor-Sharp edge.

Our heavy-duty InterFrame build is true to Kit's design, with dual stainless steel liners, one locking, and a stainless steel back spacer.

The M4-02S Stag is a deluxe model which has a traditional look with stag scales and brushed stainless steel bolsters, plus our LAWKS safety.

All M4 models have high-mounted pocket/gear clips.

So here you have a friendly E.D.C. knife that fits the hand naturally for all kinds of cutting and carving tasks. Like Kit, it's a bit unassuming, but it's a knife you'll come back to year after year.

About the Knife DesignerKit Carson of Vine Grove, Kentucky, is a retired professional soldier, rising to the level of Sergeant Major. He has made knives for 30 years and has been a full-time knifemaker since 1993. He is a voting member of the Knifemakers' Guild. Kit has been an avid hunter and fisherman for over 40 years, growing up enjoying the woods and trout streams in the mountains of north Georgia. About his philosophy of knife design, he says: "I strive to follow form and function in the knives I design and build. My reputation has been built around solid working knives, both fixed blade and folders. All the time spent outdoors as a young man and the time spent around the world with the Army has strongly influenced the knives I create." Nothing reflects this approach more than the Carson Design of our M16 series, which is built for function, not to follow fads. This highly successful knife series was named one of the Top 10 Factory Tactical Folders of the Decade by Blade magazine. The M16- 14M won a comparison test conducted by Germany's Messer magazine.

Specifications

Dimensions

Open Overall Length: 7 inches

Closed Length: 3.75 inches

Weight: 4.1 ounces

Blade

Length: 3.25 inches

Thickness: 0.121 inches

Material: 8Cr13MoV

Blade-HRC: 58-59

Finish: Satin

Grind: Hollow

Style: Drop Point

Edge: Plain

Handle

Material: Stainlesss/Red Stag

Liners: 2CR13

Lock

Type: Locking Liner

Safety System: LAWKS

Carry

Carry System: 1 Position Clip (Tip-down)

Features

OutBurst: Yes

Patent: U.S. Patent 5,596,808

Made in China

UPC Code: 794023040210

Badges

Pocket Clip
Includes a pocket clip for easy accessibility and a more secure carry.

Stag Handles
Naturally dropped deer antlers are used to create a natural rugged look and feel. Antler from the Axis and Sambar deer in India are renowned for their density and are therefore most commonly used for knife scales.

I purchased this knife before and the only reason I needed a new one is because my backpack was stolen and this was one of the items inside. CRKT's "Outburst" assisted opening technology is simple and works. It is easy to open, lock, use, unlock, and fold all with one hand. The blade comes from the factory quite sharp and holds an edge fairly well and, from my previous experience with this knife, I can tell you that it resharpens nicely.It is a solid, well built tool and the stag handles are handsome and enhance the knife's grip. It may take you a bit of practice, and the knife may feel a bit stiff at first - especially when engaging the lock - but you will get the swing of it and soon it will be second nature. The knife locks up tight - no wiggle - and when the lock's engaged - it's as good as a fixed blade.I purchased it here because the Knife Center is an authorized CRKT distributor and while you might find this knife cheaper on eBay or somewhere else, beware - you might end up with a poorly constructed knock-off. CRKT warrants their knives for life...as long as they are real...and the only way to guarantee that is to purchase the knife from an authorized distributor.

Vincenzo

Belgium

Sep 23, 2014

Pros: Handle Feel, Weight, Ease of Opening

Cons: Overall Quality, None

Nice little EDC that requires a bit of care.

Spring-assisted blade flies open very nicely with little effort (after a bit of use) and the knife generally feels great in the hand. A word of caution for the screws: a few of them fell out very early (critically, one of the screws holding the bolsters) and I had to superglue them. All is fine after that but I kind of resent the fact that I can not take the knife apart anymore.Love the shape of the blade.

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